Whatcom County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Whatcom County
Arrest records in Whatcom County are considered public information under Washington State's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Washington Criminal Records Privacy Act (RCW 10.97) further governs the dissemination of criminal history record information.
It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the individual was convicted.
- Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding.
The Washington State Patrol maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information, including arrest data from Whatcom County law enforcement agencies. While most arrest records are public, certain information may be redacted or restricted, particularly in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure would violate privacy rights protected by statute.
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-6600
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office
What's in Whatcom County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Whatcom County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized to ensure consistency across jurisdictions and includes:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
- Address at time of arrest
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Warrant type
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking number
- Processing officer
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Whether bail was posted
- Release conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information
- Property seized during arrest
- Medical screening information
- Emergency contact information
Pursuant to RCW 10.97.050, certain information in arrest records may be restricted from public disclosure, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Whatcom County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Whatcom County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
-
Submit a Public Records Request to the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the official public records request form available on the Whatcom County website
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Submit the request via email, mail, or in person
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing, as required by RCW 42.56.520
-
Contact the Whatcom County Jail Records Division
- Call the records division directly at (360) 778-6535
- Provide identifying information for the individual whose records are being sought
- Specify the time period for which records are needed
-
Visit the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office in person
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
-
Request Records from Municipal Police Departments
- For arrests made by city police departments within Whatcom County, contact the specific agency directly
- Each municipality may have slightly different procedures for records requests
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Records Division
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-6600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office
Fees for record retrieval are established pursuant to RCW 42.56.120 and may include charges for copying, scanning, or electronic transmission of documents. Fee schedules are available upon request.
How To Find Whatcom County Arrest Records Online
Whatcom County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records electronically. The following online methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest information:
-
Whatcom County Jail Roster
- Visit the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Corrections" or "Jail" section
- Access the current jail roster, which lists individuals currently in custody
- Search by name to find booking information and charges
- Note that this resource only shows current inmates, not historical arrest data
-
Washington Courts Case Search
- Access the Washington Courts Public Case Search portal at courts.wa.gov
- Select "Search Case Records" and choose Whatcom County
- Enter the individual's name to search for court cases related to arrests
- Review case information, including charges and court dates
- Note that this system shows court cases, not necessarily all arrests
-
Washington State Patrol Criminal History Records
- Visit the Washington State Patrol Criminal History website
- Request a criminal history record check (requires fee payment)
- Provide the subject's name and date of birth
- Receive comprehensive criminal history information, including Whatcom County arrests
-
Whatcom County Public Records Portal
- Access the county's online public records request system
- Create an account or submit a request as a guest
- Specify the type of arrest records being sought
- Provide necessary identifying information
- Receive electronic copies of available records
When utilizing online resources, requestors should be aware that certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and that not all arrest records are available through digital platforms. For the most comprehensive access, a formal public records request may be necessary.
How To Search Whatcom County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Whatcom County arrest records without incurring fees through several available resources. The following methods provide cost-free access to arrest information:
-
Whatcom County Jail Roster
- The current jail roster is available at no cost on the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office website
- This resource provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody
- Search functionality allows lookup by name
- Information includes booking date, charges, and custody status
- Access is available 24/7 without registration or fees
-
Public Access Terminals at Government Facilities
- Visit the Whatcom County Courthouse or Sheriff's Office in person
- Use public access computer terminals to search basic arrest information
- No fee is charged for on-site searches using these terminals
- Available during regular business hours
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM -
Washington Courts Public Case Search
- The state court system provides free online access to court cases
- Search by name to find criminal cases in Whatcom County
- Information includes case numbers, charges, and court dates
- While not specifically arrest records, court cases often correspond to arrests
-
Local Newspaper Crime Reports
- Local publications often report on significant arrests
- Many newspapers maintain searchable online archives
- These reports typically include basic arrest information for newsworthy incidents
-
Initial Public Records Request
- Under Washington's Public Records Act, agencies may not charge for the initial inspection of records
- Fees apply only to copying, scanning, or electronic transmission
- Requestors may view records in person without cost
It is important to note that while basic arrest information may be available at no cost, comprehensive criminal history reports typically require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, certain arrest information may be restricted from public disclosure based on case disposition or elapsed time since the arrest.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Whatcom County
Washington State law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under certain circumstances. There are two primary legal remedies available: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access).
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement refers to the complete destruction of records, making them legally nonexistent
- Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official purposes
- In Washington, true expungement is rare; sealing is the more common remedy
Individuals may petition for the deletion or sealing of arrest records in Whatcom County under the following circumstances:
-
Arrests Not Leading to Charges
- If no charges were filed within the statute of limitations
- If charges were dismissed without prejudice and the statute of limitations has expired
- Requires filing a petition under RCW 10.97.060
-
Vacated Convictions
- Certain convictions may be vacated after completion of all sentencing requirements
- Waiting periods apply: 3 years for misdemeanors, 5-10 years for felonies
- Not available for violent offenses, DUIs, or sex crimes
- Process governed by RCW 9.96.060 (misdemeanors) and RCW 9.94A.640 (felonies)
-
Juvenile Records
- May be sealed upon reaching age 18 if certain conditions are met
- Process governed by RCW 13.50.260
The process for sealing or deleting arrest records in Whatcom County typically involves:
- Obtaining certified copies of the case disposition
- Completing the appropriate court forms
- Filing the petition with the Whatcom County Superior Court
- Attending a hearing before a judge
- If granted, ensuring the order is sent to all relevant agencies
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for this process. The Whatcom County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in record sealing.
Whatcom County Superior Court
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-5560
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
What Happens After Arrest in Whatcom County?
Following an arrest in Whatcom County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Washington State law and local court rules. This process typically progresses through the following stages:
-
Booking and Initial Detention
- Arrestee is transported to the Whatcom County Jail
- Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
- Temporary detention in holding cell pending further proceedings
-
Initial Appearance/Arraignment
- Occurs within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs defendant of charges and constitutional rights
- Bail determination is made based on flight risk and public safety considerations
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies financially
- Plea is entered (typically "not guilty" at this stage)
-
Pretrial Release Decision
- Judge determines whether defendant will be released pending trial
- Options include:
- Release on personal recognizance (no bail required)
- Release with conditions (e.g., electronic monitoring, travel restrictions)
- Cash or surety bond
- Continued detention if deemed necessary for public safety
-
Preliminary Hearing/Probable Cause Determination
- For felony cases, determination that sufficient evidence exists to proceed
- May be waived by defendant
- Must occur within 14 days if defendant is in custody, 21 days if released
-
Discovery and Pretrial Motions
- Prosecution must disclose evidence to defense
- Defense may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Negotiations for potential plea agreements often occur during this phase
-
Trial
- Jury trial or bench trial (before judge only)
- Prosecution presents case first, followed by defense
- Standard of proof is "beyond a reasonable doubt"
- For misdemeanors, trials occur in Whatcom County District Court
- For felonies, trials occur in Whatcom County Superior Court
-
Sentencing (if convicted)
- Occurs after guilty verdict or plea
- May include jail/prison time, probation, fines, restitution, treatment programs
- Sentencing guidelines vary based on offense severity and criminal history
-
Appeals Process
- Available following conviction
- Must be filed within specific timeframes
- Based on legal errors, not re-evaluation of facts
Throughout this process, arrest records are generated and maintained by various agencies, including the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and the courts. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are generally accessible to the public unless sealed or expunged through legal processes.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Whatcom County?
Arrest records in Whatcom County are subject to retention requirements established by Washington State law and the Washington State Archives' Local Government Records Retention Schedule. The duration for which these records are maintained varies based on several factors:
-
Law Enforcement Records
- Arrest reports for adults: Minimum 10 years after case closure
- Arrest reports involving juveniles: Until subject's 18th birthday plus 3 years
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: 75 years from date of creation
- Incident reports not resulting in arrest: 5 years after case closure
-
Court Records
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Juvenile court records: Until subject's 18th birthday plus 5 years, unless sealed earlier
-
Corrections Records
- Jail booking and custody records: 6 years after release from custody
- Inmate medical records: 10 years after last contact
- Visitor logs and correspondence: 3 years after creation
These retention periods are mandated by the Washington Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE) and the Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule (LE). Different agencies within Whatcom County must adhere to these minimum retention periods, though some records may be kept longer based on administrative needs or historical value.
It is important to note that even after physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic traces of arrest information may persist in various databases. Additionally, private companies that aggregate public records may maintain copies of arrest information indefinitely, even after official records have been destroyed or sealed.
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains accountability and transparency in law enforcement
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Supports background checks for employment and licensing purposes
Individuals concerned about the continued existence of their arrest records should consult with legal counsel regarding options for sealing or expungement under Washington State law.
How to Find Mugshots in Whatcom County
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Whatcom County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record. The following information pertains to mugshot access in Whatcom County:
What Mugshots Are Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. Typically, these include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee, often with identifying information such as a booking number visible in the image. These photographs serve both administrative and identification purposes within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained In Whatcom County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
- Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division
- Bellingham Police Department (for arrests by city police)
- Washington State Patrol (in state-level databases)
These images are stored in both physical files and electronic records management systems, with access controlled according to state public records laws.
Finding Mugshots Members of the public seeking mugshots in Whatcom County may:
- Submit a public records request to the arresting agency
- Specify the individual's name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Can They Be Found Online Currently, Whatcom County does not maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. Unlike some jurisdictions, the county does not publish booking photos on its jail roster website. This policy reflects growing concerns about the potential misuse of mugshots and their impact on individuals' privacy and reputation, particularly for those not ultimately convicted of crimes.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially To officially obtain a mugshot, submit a public records request to:
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Records Division
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-6600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office
Restrictions on Mugshot Access Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestees (protected under RCW 13.50)
- Ongoing investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement
- Cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
- Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order
Washington State has enacted legislation (RCW 10.97.070) limiting the dissemination of criminal history record information, which includes mugshots, to protect individual privacy while balancing the public's right to information.
Lookup Arrest Records in Whatcom County
Whatcom County Official Website
Washington State Patrol Criminal History Records
Sealing and Destroying Court Records Guide
Court Forms for Vacating/Sealing Records
Washington State Law on Deletion of Criminal History Information